The mainstream edge banding technologies include EVA edge banding, PUR edge banding, hot air edge banding, and laser edge banding. Each edge banding technology has its own advantages.
EVA Edge Banding EVA hot melt adhesive, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, is a solvent-free, water-free, 100% solid meltable polymer. It is a solid at room temperature and becomes a light brown translucent or white material after melting. EVA hot melt adhesive needs to be melted at a high temperature in a glue pot to become a certain viscosity liquid adhesive. When applied to the surface of engineered wood or edge banding material, it solidifies upon cooling, bonding the material to the substrate. If the cooling and solidification do not meet the requirements, it can be reheated for secondary bonding. EVA hot melt adhesive, also known as pellet glue, can achieve good edge banding results with proper machine calibration. However, when compared to PUR edge banding, it tends to produce thicker glue lines.
PUR Edge Banding PUR (Polyurethane Reactive), or moisture-curing reactive polyurethane hot melt adhesive, undergoes an irreversible reaction with moisture in the air after heating, resulting in solidification. This bonds the panel and edge banding strip together, and the bond remains stable even upon secondary heating. PUR edge banding has excellent moisture resistance, and the amount of adhesive applied is only half that of EVA edge banding, while still meeting the requirements of most customers.
Hot Air Edge Banding Hot air edge banding is a relatively lesser-known technology. It involves two types of edge banding strip structures: one with a functional layer similar to laser edge banding, and the other with a pre-coated adhesive layer. Before the edge banding strip contacts the workpiece, the hot air edge banding machine uses nozzles to spray high-temperature and high-pressure hot air onto the edge banding strip. This melts the glue, allowing the edge banding strip to be pressed onto the workpiece. After processes like trimming and polishing, the edge banding is completed. In summary, hot air edge banding utilizes the heat generated by a compressed air system to melt the functional layer of the edge banding strip, achieving seamless bonding between the strip and the workpiece. The principle is similar to laser edge banding, differing only in the heating method—hot air as opposed to laser. Despite the distinction, consumers may not notice any significant difference. It is often referred to as laser edge banding, but it is technically hot air edge banding or seamless hot melt edge banding.
Laser Edge Banding In laser edge banding, a high-energy laser beam is focused onto the laser edge banding strip through a set of oscillating mirrors. The high-energy laser rapidly melts (500-800°C, sealed) the functional layer (0.2mm thick laser-sensitive activating substance) of the edge banding strip. Then, using a pressure roller mechanism, the edge banding strip is pressed onto the engineered wood. After processes like cutting, initial trimming, fine trimming, and rounding, the edge banding is completed. Laser edge banding requires both a laser edge banding machine and laser edge banding strips, If factoring in the high equipment depreciation, maintenance costs, and stringent operating conditions (requiring air conditioning), many furniture manufacturers may find it challenging to adopt laser edge banding technology.
